The Practical Missions Podcast 

Pod # 40 The Joys and Pains of Missions

The number of Christians has decreased, but the number of believers has increased

Today on the Pod, I talk to a guy who has over 30 years of experience ministering in one city. In the late 80s, he planted a church that is still thriving today. Not an easy task in any country, let alone in one of the most unreached countries in the world. My guest shared his thoughts on giving to locals, how to overcome cynicism, and how to deal with conflict with local MBBs. I found our conversation refreshingly deep and mature. I learned a lot and I hope you will too.

Timeline

  • 00:00 Introduction 
  • 02:10 Over 30 years on the field 
  • 5:25 How has the church changed in the last 30 years? 
  • 9:30 How should we work with local leaders? 
  • 14:40 How to deal with finances on the field? 
  • 24:14 Does the house-church model avoid a lot of these issues? 
  • 30:50 Forgiveness and restoration with locals 
  • 38:40 Overcoming cynicism on the field 

Resources mentioned in the Pod

Find and sign up for those courses my guest is running from the Institute for the Study of Religion in the Middle East at https://isrme.org/ 

I’ve had more conflicts in my 30 plus years on the field that turn out to be financially related than almost any other kind. It’s something that missionaries really have to wrestle with. 

The Joys and Pains of Missions

Pod # 40 The Joys and Pains of Missions

The number of Christians has decreased, but the number of believers has increased

Today on the Pod, I talk to a guy who has over 30 years of experience ministering in one city. In the late 80s, he planted a church that is still thriving today. Not an easy task in any country, let alone in one of the most unreached countries in the world. My guest shared his thoughts on giving to locals, how to overcome cynicism, and how to deal with conflict with local MBBs. I found our conversation refreshingly deep and mature. I learned a lot and I hope you will too. 

I’ve had more conflicts in my 30 plus years on the field that turn out to be financially related than almost any other kind. It’s something that missionaries really have to wrestle with.

Timeline

  • 00:00 Introduction 
  • 02:10 Over 30 years on the field 
  • 5:25 How has the church changed in the last 30 years? 
  • 9:30 How should we work with local leaders? 
  • 14:40 How to deal with finances on the field? 
  • 24:14 Does the house-church model avoid a lot of these issues? 
  • 30:50 Forgiveness and restoration with locals 
  • 38:40 Overcoming cynicism on the field 

Resources mentioned in the Pod

Find and sign up for those courses my guest is running from the Institute for the Study of Religion in the Middle East at https://isrme.org/ 

— Related Pods —

Pod #29 50 Years in Missions

"Is my first response to turn to God in prayer for wisdom, grace, and strength? Or do I just double-down in my own self-effort to do it? All of my efforts, the best practices, the most fruitful practices, in a particular individual's life, will not necessarily work any better than the absolute worst strategy."

Pod # 33 No Easy Answers

We talk about ministry after 70, leading silent retreats, Afghanistan, humility, challenges in ministry, the many positive things going on in missions to Muslims, and so much more. 

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